Trend Jul / Aug 2022

at nairn's A spa stay w hotel golf vie_ tickets hmt show

4 | ALPHA CLINIC

LOOKING GOOD FOR THE FUTURE We caught up with Leah Athanassopoulos, managing director of Alpha Clinic, to find out the latest from the North-east's renowned cosmetic and reconstructive surgery clinic...

‘Alpha Clinic provides discrete, advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments to improve appearance and quality of life.

‘In the next few months, we’ll be completing our move to our new, larger premises at Carden Place. The ground floor is dedicated to our aesthetic treatments, such as Ultherapy, anti-wrinkle injections and fillers. The basement area and extension have been completely redeveloped and will form our state of the art surgical theatre and recovery facilities. The surgery area also has its own entrance and reception area, so it’s very discrete. We’re already offering aesthetics at Carden Place and our clients love the new building, particularly, the huge car park!

‘In the past couple of years, Alpha Clinic has grown considerably. We’ve built a great team and will be adding to our numbers over the remainder of this year. In particular, we will be recruiting more nurses. As well as dealing with HR and finance, I’m also project managing the move to larger premises at Carden Place as well overseeing the work on our new clinic in Inverness.

‘We decided to open a second clinic in Inverness as we have many clients in the north of Aberdeenshire, Moray and the Highlands, so the Inverness clinic means we can offer non-surgical aesthetic treatments and postsurgical follow up appointments without the need to travel to Aberdeen. All our surgeries will take place in Aberdeen. The Inverness clinic is located in Drummond Street and it should open in September. We’re all really excited about both Carden Place and Inverness!’

16 Carden Place, Aberdeen AB10 1FX Tel: 01224 232428 alphaclinic.co.uk

6 | CONTENTS

22 10

FASHION

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HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLBEING

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22 Fashion: Bright & breezy summer looks 28 Shore thing: best beach style

Pack your bags: Eye treatments that work 10 Anyone for tennis? 12

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62 FOOD & DRINK

Raise a glass to local gins 34

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58

TRAVEL & LEISURE

Are we there yet? Best family breaks 32 Win tickets to The Cher Show at HMT 46 Trend events: book now 57 Best local beaches 60

LIFESTYLE

40 Trend's glamorous Garden Party 62 Masterpieces: How to buy original art 64 Meet the team at VT Wealth Management

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34 34 pg

HOMES, GARDENS, &INTERIORS

50 Designing your dream kitchen 58 Gardens: Kirsty McLean on climbing plants

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32

ADVERTISEMENTS WELCOME | 7

ISSUE N0. 88

| JUL / AUG 22 PUBLISHED BY TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD PO Box 11858, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 9AN +44 (0)1224 596223 info@trendmagazine.co.uk trendmagazine.co.uk

FROM THE

EDITOR Hello again, There’s an old saying, ‘Make hay while the sun shines.’ That’s what we’re encouraging you to do in this issue. It’s all too easy to get stressed by rising prices or depressed by bleak stories in the media, but sometimes we need to take a step back and clear our heads.

There are plenty of things to feel good about, but sometimes we need to remind ourselves about all that we have - friends, family, nature, scenery and a great place to live - and that we should feel gratitude for.

It’s time to focus on the positives around us, because there are plenty of people willing to remind us of everything that’s not going so well. Take some time out to rediscover the city and shire. Take pleasures in small indulgences - curling up with a book, an alfresco lunch or after work G&T in the garden, a stroll on the beach, a cake from the baker, afternoon tea or a shared bottle of wine with a friend or two.

It’s about spending wisely on the things that bring you pleasure. About supporting local shops and suppliers rather than faceless conglomerates. We’re here to help brighten your day, every day!

The sun is (hopefully) out. It’s time to make hay!

Love Everyone at Trend x

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Prices are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change. Trend cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions by contributors in the magazine may not represent the views of the publisher.

Trend Productions Ltd takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication. T&Cs apply to all competitions & offers.

DIRECTOR Gill Buyers gill@trendmagazine.co.uk EDITOR Alison Daniels alison@trendmagazine.co.uk ADVERTISING Clare Findlay clare@trendmagazine.co.uk DESIGN Lisa Thompson lisa@trendmagazine.co.uk ACCOUNTS Jill Walker jwalker@trendmagazine.co.uk PRINT Stephens & George Print Group

Contributors Kirsty McLean Grace Broad

On the Cover MODEL Georgie Summers of Premiere Productions PHOTOGRAPHER Donna Murray donnamurrayphotography.com THANKS We would like to thank Blether Cults, The Hadley's garden, Tiger Lily Boutique, Lolo + co and @hamishmunro

And the winner i s...

The two lu cky winne rs of our HMT com petition in were Mari the last is sue ssa Wood and Conn Each wins or Gilpin. a pair of ti ckets to se Dreamgir e ls at His M ajesty’s in Aberdeen , as the ori ginal show Singin’ In , The Rain, has been cance lled.

8 | WHATS ON

7-10 JULY Aberdeen University’s new HAME mini-festival kicks off. abdn.ac.uk/events

8-10 JULY Stonehaven Folk Festival. stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk

9-10 JULY Holding the Castle comes to Huntly Castle historicenvironment.scot

16 JULY 10 JULY Much Ado about Nothing at Castle Fraser Estate. eventbrite.co.uk

13 JULY Pinkies in the air. Treat yourself to Afternoon Tea at Balmoral. ticketsource.co.uk

Still Spirit hosts the Bendromach X Meat Monsters BBQ. Tickets £65. stillspirit.co.uk/events

20 JULY Choose from Peter Pan at Aden Country Park or Cinderella at Leith Hall. visitabdn.com

6-20 JULY

30 JULY

Puzzle Zone: Murder Most Silent at Aberdeenshire Farming Museum. museums@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Catch the Chicago Blues Brothers Band at the Tivoli. aberdeenperformingarts.com

15-30 JULY The Ladyboys of Bangkok are back at the Sabai Pavilion at the beach. quaytickets.com/ladyboys

31 Jul - 1 AuG Turriff Show has everything from vintage vehicles to Highland Dancing. turriffshow.org

WHATS ON | 9

’S F WHAT O K C I P ST OUR & AUGU Y L U J ON IN

4 AUGUST

11 AUGUSt

True North Sessions showcase Adam Ross at the Music Hall. aberdeenperformingarts.com

More tartan at Ballater Highland Games. ballaterhighlandgames.com

26 august Make it a double. The Craft Rum Show and the Gin to My Tonic Show are both at P&J Live

12-13 August Joe Lycett’s at the Music Hall. aberdeenperformingarts.com

6 AUGUST Don your kilt for Aboyne Highland Games, Visit aboynegames.com for tickets and the full programme.

6-7 August

20-21 AUGust Think Ink at the Aberdeen Tattoo Show at the Beach Ballroom. A hundred tattoo artists are lined up for this event. universe.com

28 august Laura Mvula at the Music Hall. aberdeenperformingarts.com

Fancy tackling an obstacle course? Try Beach Ballistic OCR at Balmedie Beach. beachballistic.com All events are subject to change or cancellation, so check before heading out.

© Shockerstu/dagn_y 10 | BEAUTY

BEAUTY | 11

Our eyes may be the windows to the soul, but the delicate skin means they are also one of the places that show the signs of tiredness, stress or aging all too quickly. From bags to dark circles, puffiness and fine lines, there’s a range of options available from local specialists.

B

renda Cardno at the Treat Company, the advanced skincare salon in Inverallochy, recommends Katherine Daniels’ eye range. This awardwinning salon-strength range includes their Instant Effect Eye Mask (£59), which has been shown to decrease the appearance of lines by 41% and improve skin hydration by 56%. It contains sea kelp, hyaluronic acid and a mineral complex that refresh the eye area with just one treatment, leaving it looking visibly luminous, plumped and smooth and will feel hydrated, firm and revitalised. Brenda advises using it twice a week for a fortnight for sustained improvement.

Katherine Daniels also offers a Multi-tasking Eye and Lip Balm (£40) which is great for dealing with the signs of fatigue. It leaves your eyes looking and feeling perked up when massaged into the eyelids. Better get, it also helps with those tiny lip lines that come as skin matures.

Clinetix in Inverurie offers individualised Morpheus8 treatments which uses a combination of radio-frequency energy and micro-needling. The RF energy heats the deeper skin layers, stimulating collagen production to restore elasticity. Results are evident after two weeks after the initial course of treatment and improvements should continue up to 3 months after treatment.

Aberdeen’s Alpha Clinic offer Ultherapy, a non-surgical treatment which uses ultrasound energy to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen to lift and tighten the skin. The treatment takes around 45 minutes and results are visible after 3-6 months. Price £600 per session.

They also have an injectable vitamin skin booster, NCTF 135HA, which can be injected under the eye to help with crêpey skin by smoothing fine lines, restore radiance, deeply nourish the skin and replace skin deficient minerals. £225 for 3ml.

If you’d rather avoid injectables, Alpha also offer a range of ZO Skin Health Eye Creams; Eye Brightening Crème, Intense Eye Crème and Growth Factor Eye Serum. These innovative products target dark circles, minimise the appearance of puffiness and fine lines and invigorate the look of tired eyes.

Aesthetic surgery is another option which offers permanent results.

Blepharoscopy surgery is increasingly popular and available from Alpha Clinic for the surgical rejuvenation of eyes that have excess skin on the upper eyelid or dark circles resulting from shadowing due to bulging fat or bags on the lower eyelid.

Further afield, eyebrow guru Shavata Singh has partnered with 111 Skin to bring new eye treatments to Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols. The new treatments include a lash tint, as well as lymphatic drainage massaging around the eye contour area developed with 111SKIN and customised masking according to your targeted skincare needs and concerns. The treatments finish with 111SKIN eye cream and a neck and shoulder massage, leaving you feeling relaxed and looking great. There are three mask to choose from: Celestial Black diamond - designed to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, soften the appearance of dark circles and minimise the sensation of puffiness. The delicate eye area is left smoother, hydrated and awakened. Sub-Zero De-Puffing - to restore, contour, tighten stress lines, and fortify the delicate eye area and Rose gold Illuminating - for a lasting luminosity and a brighter-eyed appearance.

12 | HEALTH

A

nyone for tennis? Perhaps the thought of picking up a racquet brings back memories of teenage PE sessions at school, but racquet sports are the perfect summer exercise. Think strawberries and cream, freshly-cut grass and little pleated skirts. Why not get out on the court and serve up some fitness and fun?

Racquet sports improve balance, coordination and mobility and can reduce blood pressure and chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes. You’ll also get mental wellbeing benefits such as reduced stress levels and a blast of dopamine, the happy hormone. Racquet sports can also provide focus and add structure to our busy, sometimes hectic, lives. They also offer time with friends, family or partners and they offer the opportunity to meet new people.

© Shockgenrstu/mi

You don’t need to be a pro to try them and starting out isn’t expensive. Most clubs offer taster sessions for beginners, or intermediate and advanced classes for

more established players. Local tennis clubs can be found dotted across Aberdeen and the Shire, including facilities at Westburn Park, Cults Lawn Tennis Club and Stonehaven LTC. If tennis isn’t your game, why not try badminton? The Aberdeen Badminton Academy offers an array of sessions at all levels, held across the North East including Aberdeen Sports Village and Portlethen Academy. Check out your local sports centre or the Aberdeen Badminton Academy website for more information.

If you’re in search of a sport with higher intensity, perhaps squash is for you? The Aberdeen Sports Village has a great facility for the game, with several courts for hire. Alternatively, the Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club and the Banchory Sports Village offer beginners’ sessions. There are advanced booking summer tennis camps for kids including sessions at RGU Sport and Aberdeen Tennis Centre too.

Aboyne duo smash the world record by running 106 marathons in 106 days Fay Cunningham and Emma Petrie, two personal trainers from Aboyne, have claimed a world record by running 106 marathons in 106 days.

Their outstanding effort has raised an incredible £34,000 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and Macmillan Cancer Support two charities close to their hearts.

The pair, who share a love of fitness and the outdoors, hope to raise £100,000 in memory of Fay’s father, Alan who died of MND, and Emma’s mum, Jan who died of cancer.

Reflecting on the challenge, Fay

said, ‘It is all been a bit surreal really, we can’t get our heads around the fact we have been running a marathon every day since the 19th February but we are certainly looking forward to a rest day.’

Emma, added, ‘One of the most incredible parts of this whole challenge has been having the time to chat to people and pass the miles together, it really is a team effort and the support has been unbelievable.’

To support Fay and Emma’s fundraising efforts please visit collectionpot.com/pot/mmw

thinkPR teams up with Scott Macpherson to raise funds for cancer charities The golf and dinner event was held at Meldrum House Hotel in memory of Scott’s late wife, Carole, who tragically lost her life to Secondary Breast Cancer (SBC) in July 2020 at the height of Covid regulations. The event raised both awareness and funds for two SBC charities, Met Up UK and Make 2nds Count. The event welcome 28 golfers during the day and 160 guests in the evening to support the two worthy causes, raising around £25,000 in the process.

Scott Macpherson commented, ‘Carole was the life and soul, and she was such a caring and giving person. With only 20 of her closest

friends and family permitted to attend her funeral, due to Covid restrictions, I wanted to do something in her honour that she would have loved, because she loved a party and loved people coming together.’

OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF WELLBEING SERVICES INCLUDING: • Physiotherapy • Acupuncture • Yoga & Pilates Classes: group, one-to-one & speciality classes

• Counselling • Podiatry • Women’s Health • Occupational Health

Contact us directly without need for referral.

12 Seafield Road, Aberdeen, AB15 7YT Tel: 01224 316 488 wallacepractice.co.uk

NON-SURGICAL BODY SCULPTING TECHNOLOGY

Has arrived

FAT REDUCTIO N & SKIN TIGHTENIN G

Find out more at: www.myperfectshape.co.uk

14 | ABERCROMBIE DENTAL

ABERCROMBIE DENTAL:

Dental services with a Smile Abercrombie operate two dental practices in Westhill with a great reputation for preventative and cosmetic dentistry treatments and aesthetic treatments such as Botox and fillers.

P

rincipal dentist and clinic owner Dr. Naga Narra commented, ‘At Abercrombie, we’re all about combining the latest technology and advanced techniques with excellent patient care.

As well as a full range of preventative and restorative dental treatments, such as dental implants, white fillings, crowns and flexi-dentures, we also offer cosmetic options like tooth whitening, veneers and Invisalign.’

‘We offer Cone Beam CT scans and OPG X-rays and our iTero system means we can offer 3D scans for dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontic treatment rather than taking impressions. We also have our own dental technician and lab on site, providing a fast

turnaround on private dentures and denture repairs.

We even offer dental plans and patient finance and are currently accepting new private and NHS patients.’

Dr. Narra continued,‘We know that some people feel a bit nervous about coming back to a dentist and may not have been for a couple of years given the pandemic.

We are lucky to have a really great & friendly team of receptionist and nurses, therefore we can offer as much support as possible. At our Smile clinic, we offer intravenous sedation on a private basis, which many patients find helpful, particularly when getting implants, multiple restorations or during an extraction.

10 Abercrombie Court, Prospect Road, Westhill, AB32 6FE Tel: 01224 745447

abercrombie-dental.co.uk

Unit 2-3 Ashdale Drive, Westhill, AB32 6LP Tel: 01224 742513

ADVERTISEMENTS | 15

16 | CLINETIX

STARS IN THEIR EYES FOR CLINETIX & TESS DALY Beauty experts tell us the popularity of surgical facelifts is dropping year on year, and it's no secret why. New non-surgical, downtime-free ‘lunchtime facelifts’ make what once seemed impossible totally possible and really affordable too.

Treatment takes under an hour with no downtime.

I

f you want to know the results of these new treatments, take a look at Tess Daly. Everyone knows Tess looks terrific for her 52 years. Tess says Ultherapy® ensures, “You will look like yourself, but just on a really good day.”

No needles, no injectables, just great looking results from the best people Husband and wife team Dr Simon and Dr Emma Ravichandran of the Clinetix Group are the recognised experts in Ultherapy® in Scotland.

They are ranked among the top 100 Medical Aesthetic Practitioners in the world, and lead a team of expert clinical and aesthetic therapists trained to provide gold standard treatment and care.

Clinetix were awarded the accolade of Best Clinic in Scotland at the recent Aesthetics Awards 2022.

Clinetix staff have the experience and technical knowledge to tailor Ultherapy® to the unique contours and depths of each person's skin.

This results in the most effective and longlasting results.

Dr Simon explained, ‘When a patient first presents for any aesthetic treatment, they tend to come in with an individual complaint which, more often than not, focuses on narrow areas of the face rather than the face as a whole. We focus on taking a holistic approach to faces and patients, not just lines and wrinkles, to marry the patient’s expectations with genuine aesthetic outcomes. This not only improves the way a person looks but also the way they feel.’

Ultherapy® is considered the premier treatment in non-surgical skin tightening and lifting. It works deep within your skin to restore collagen and elastin, with toned, tightened and fresh results which peak at 3-6 months after treatment and last for up to 2 years. This no-needle lift is an outstanding treatment for anyone with early skin sagging or skin laxity. That's basically anyone with looseness and a lack of tone in their face or neck.

You could benefit from Ultherapy® if you have: • lowered or heavy-looking forehead and brows • facial wrinkles on cheeks and around mouth • sagging pre-jowls around chin and jawline • loose skin on your neck • lines or wrinkles forming on chest or decolletage

Dr Emma added, ‘In just one treatment, you can have beautifully refreshed, lifted and tightened skin. Ultherapy® is also great for patients on a budget as it works really well on smaller treatment zones to precisely target areas like a ‘brow lift’ or ‘jowl lift’.

As part of your treatment, Clinetix staff routinely employ the Visia® Facial Analysis Diagnostic Tool when assessing patients. This allows a 3-D under-skin view of all the facial structures invisible to the naked eye.

A detailed skin health consultation and clinical examination helps identify specific skin issues and confirm which treatments are most suitable for each patient. The Visia® facial analysis diagnostic tool is ideal for treatment planning, which can: • detect conditions before they are visible on the skin • identify and prevent specific skin issues • chart your skin journey over the longer term Visia® creates targeted Ultherapy benefits with the ultrasound-based tightening and lifting energy delivered precisely where it will have the most remarkable results. If you like the sound of Ultherapy® or Visia® Facial Analysis and would like to find out more, visit the website or get social @clinetix.

T: 01698 854221 clinetix.co.uk

Better skin for life with

Kilted Chef launches Summer Berry Gin Eat on the Green’s award-wining chef, Craig Wilson has taken a step into the drinks market with the launch of his first handmade, small batch gin. Craig teamed up with Lost Loch Spirits in Aboyne, Royal Deeside to create his Kilted Chef Scottish Summer Berry gin. Featuring berries, honey, peppercorns and natural botanicals blended with mountain spring water to create a clean, crisp and fruity gin. Order from thekiltedchef.co.uk

At Treat Company, we use the fab British Skincare brand Katherine Daniels. Their professional products are developed by leading skincare scientists, with formulations that enhance the way your skin works. The advanced ingredients within Katherine Daniels’ products treat the cause of your skin concerns as well as visible symptoms.

Book on 01346 583365 or Facebook treatcompany.co.uk

Summer Sale Now on!

Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date!

Tel: 01224 646032 18 Chapel Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SP

Donald Russell raises over £25,000 for Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Donald Russell have been collecting donations towards the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal since the end of April this year and are pleased to announce they have now raised over £25,000. Part of the funds raised came from customers adding donations to their order total, while the company also made a donation.

This forms a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to being involved in the community and supporting local charities as well as those further afield. Earlier this year,

a team of Donald Russell staff raised over £18,000 to support the work of the Prince’s Trust.

Ken Clow, Donald Russell CEO, commented, ‘We’re so proud of all our customers who’ve donated as well as all the staff who have worked to make it happen. We’ve all been looking for a way that we can help with the terrible situation in Ukraine, and we’re glad we’ve been able to get involved in this way.’

Find out more at donaldrussell.com

IN-BRIEF | 19

Gathimba Edwards Foundation to hold first Ladies’ Lunch Gathimba Edwards Foundation's first ladies’ lunch, which is focused on female empowerment; there will be guest speakers, fundraising activities, magic and live music.

The lunch will be held on 16th September at Union Kirk on Union Street.

The foundation was formed by international athletes Gideon Gathimba and Myles Edwards and has supported over 500 children in Kenya.

Tickets are £50 which includes an arrival drink, 3-course lunch, coffee and a goodie bag. Funds raised will go towards projects such as paying the school fees of girls who are out of school and improving living conditions. Find out more about the foundation at gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org Tickets can be purchased by emailing kayleigh@ gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org

20 | PROMOTING HEALTH

B

anchory’s Promoting Health – the natural way Clinic has just been awarded the title of Holistic Medical Clinic of the Year 2022-2023. The award recognised the clinic’s GP and Homeopathic specialist, Dr. Jennifer Sudder’s, ‘personal touch, the community feel and the passion, making such a positive difference.’

Dr. Sudder’s approach combines individualised nutritional medicine, homeopathic remedies and hypnotherapy techniques to restore the body to balanced health.

The Unit Gym & Fitness, Inchmarlo Road, Banchory, AB31 5RR Tel: 0777 367 5014 Email: jennifer@promoting-health.co.uk promoting-health.co.uk

FINDING YOUR BEST FIT IN BRAS Around 70% of women are wearing a bra that doesn’t fit.

Tamara, owner of Katsize in Inverurie, is on a mission to change that!

Tamara explained, ‘The right bra can change your world in an instant. A good bra fitting, and a good fitting bra will change how you look, how you feel, how you hold yourself, even how you feel about yourself and how your clothes fit.

‘My fittings are professional but fun. I judge by eye, talking through what I'm doing and what works for each client. At Katsize, we carry a large stock

from first bras, nursing bras, surgical bras and mastectomy bras in sizes ranging from a 28A to a 46J. There is a bra for every boob and we just need to find it!

‘Everyone is welcome at Katsize regardless of age, disability, gender, or size. It's a totally judgement free zone.

As a Registered Nurse, fitting ladies who have had breast surgery is one of my passions.

I understand the impact of surgery on physical health and emotional wellbeing. Whatever the situation, we can find the right bra during a relaxed and fun fitting.’

67 High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3QJ Tel: 07787 055134 katsize.co.uk

Summer Ready with

summer glam at

The Alexandra Trainer by Fairfax and Favor is a wardrobe staple! Classic low-top trainers crafted from soft white leather with tonal suede chevron detailing in the new SS22 colours - mango and cornflower blue! Perfect for any occasion and will work with so many outfits. Matching accessories also available.

Aberdeenshire teenager revving up for glory

115 Holburn Street, AB10 6BQ 2-8 Bridge Street, Banchory, AB31 5SX countryways.com

A young Aberdeenshire driver is gearing up to take the motorsport world by storm after getting the new racing season off to a flying start. Alford teenager Fergus Chalmers is racing in the UK’s longest running and most prestigious junior series, the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship which kicked off at the Donington Park National track last weekend (April 23/24). He finished eighth in his debut season last year, form a field of 65 in the prestigious 2020 Michelin Ginetta Scholarship for 14-17-year-old drivers.

He has now set his sights on a top five finish in 2022 and is hoping to attract sponsors interested in joint success. Find out more at facebook.com/ Fergus-Chalmers-Racing-108487354725852/

We have a little bit of everything for everyone.

Shop online or pop in & see us.

Enjoy 15% off this edition at Country Ways Valid on presentation of this voucher in-store or online with code TRENDJULY until 31/8/22

8 Chapel Street, AB101SP Tel: 01224 626983 tigerlilyboutique.co.uk

OPPOSITE PAGE: POM AMSTERDAM DRESS £159, WAIDA CLUTCH BAG PETER KAISER £79: BOTH @HAMISHMUNRO THIS PAGE: TIANIA TED BAKER DRESS £175, LOLO + CO

TOP PIC: RED BUTTONS LULU TURN UP JEANS £69, PART TWO VEST TOP £18.95, ONE HUNDRED STARS STORK THROUGH-OVER KIMONO £52, SANDALS GABOR £85: ALL@HAMISHMUNRO, SUNGLASSES MODEL’S OWN BOTTOM PIC: IVIVI DRESS £42 , HEADBAND £ 15, BOTH TIGER LILY BOUTIQUE OPPOSITE PAGE: MOCOY DENIM SHORTS £35, STELLA MORGAN FLORAL TOP £30, BOTH TIGER LILY BOUTIQUE

ABOVE IMAGE: SUMMUM PEACH JEANS £109, COSTA MANI TOP £45, PHONE BAG £25: ALL @HAMISHMUNRO OPPOSITE IMAGE: GIRL IN MIND PLAYSUIT £39, CROSS BODY BAG £45 STRAP £12: BOTH TIGER LILY , SHOES MODELS OWN With Thanks to Blether Cults and The Hadley Garden.

28 | FASHION EDIT

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Whether it’s a month in Mauritius, a week in West Wales, or just a day on the dunes at Balmedie, sun, sea and sand present the perfect opportunity to add to your summer wardrobe. Sorbet shades, flowing lines, linen and boho looks all work right now. Here’s what’s on our wish list. All you need now is your bucket and spade…

01 © @hamishmunro | 02 © Bravissimo Multrees Walk, Edinburgh | 03 © Lolo & Co. Boutique | 04 © Lolo & Co. Boutique | 05 © @hamishmunro 06 © Loewe Harvey Nichols Multrees Walk, Edinburgh | 07 © Strathberry Multrees Walk, Edinburgh | 08 ©LK Bennett Multrees Walk, Edinburgh 09 © Tiger Lily Boutique | 10 © Country Ways | 11 © Loewe Harvey Nichols Multrees Walk, Edinburgh

Cameron Roe-Imrie

MAGICIAN _____

Weddings Corporate events Birthdays + more T. 077259 08555 E. cameronroe100@gmail.com

AUDIO VISUAL CONFERENCE & EVENT EQUIPMENT SUPPLY & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Audio Visual Sales Service & Installation Sound & AV Equipment Hire Live Event Technical Services Live Sound Engineering t: +44(0) 7971621713 e: info@lawsound.co.uk

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EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE ROOM

• Corporate dinners • Birthdays & celebrations • Situated on 1st floor • Seats upto 30 guests • Own bar area • Available for lunch & dinner

Tel: 01224 595 588 8848restaurant.co.uk

Get into the Christmas spirit by coming to our fun Xmas Party event.

For tickets, tables and more details email: info@trendmagazine.co.uk

If you are a local producer and are keen to be part of this please email us to register your interest.

For more details email: info@trendmagazine.co.uk

THE MARCLIFFE HOTEL & SPA

FRIDAY, 25 NOV 2022

32 | TRAVEL

TRAVEL | 33

With the summer holiday season in full swing and October breaks on the horizon, how do you find a trip that the whole family will enjoy?

I

f you chose the right ship and right itinerary, a cruise can be a great choice.

Not only do you get a range of new places to visit most days, but older kids can explore the ship by themselves, while there are often all-day activity clubs for their younger siblings. These days, ships come with everything from water slides to climbing walls, laser tag and surfing simulators, so there’s no shortage of things to do.

Another plus is that once you’ve paid for your cabin, the food and on-board entertainment is free, so it can be surprisingly cost-effective, especially if you bag a last-minute bargain.

Most departures are from Southampton, or you can pick up one of the US basedlines out of Miami, if you don’t mind the airport hassles.

If you want something action packed, the obvious choice is a multi-activity setting like Center Parcs. There are five locations in the UK, but, even if you factor in a ferry crossing, it can be less expensive to head to the Netherlands to one of the nine parks there. De Kempervennen, for example, is under a hundred miles from Rotterdam and you can even stay on a houseboat. They offer a huge range of water sports, from paddle boarding to water skiing, as well as a snow centre, nature walks, zip wires and cycling. You can even take a PADI diving course or disappear for a spa day while the kids try something new.

Fancy something more laid back? How about a beachside villa on a Greek Island?

The islands tend to be family friendly,

and promise sunny days, good food and lots to do. You can opt for an all-inclusive package at one of the many resorts, or choose something slower-paced by booking a villa and self-catering or eating out.

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands combines archaeological ruins with shallow-water beaches and a mix of towns and villages for visits. Corfu is a good choice if you want to get back to nature, with lots of forested areas and mountains, as well as safe beaches. If you fancy island hopping, Santorini makes a good base, with lots of day trips to nearby islands possible. It also offers Instagram-worthy locations for your teenagers and some excellent spas that make the most of the island’s hot springs and mud baths.

If you have teenagers, then Eurorail offers the chance to explore major cities and off the beaten track. Eurail.com/en has a choice of single country or multi-country passes of different durations, so you could wander through French markets and wine country with a pass starting at €67, or potter round Portugal from €80. The only drawback is the UK rail travel isn’t included, but you could always grab a cheap flight to your starting point.

Rather stay a little closer to home? Well, there’s the option of renting a campervan and exploring the North Coast 500, but petrol prices may make that a frightening prospect. Glamping or a cottage on the West Coast also have their attractions, provided you’re not considered a delicacy by the local midges. How about a treehouse stay near Dunblane (craigheadhowf.co.uk), or a stay in a converted Sea King helicopter near Stirling (helicopterglamping.com)? There are plenty of off-grid options as well as sites where you can take your dog on holiday too, so you’re bound to find the perfect getaway this summer.

34 |

LOCAL GINS

RAISE A GLASS TO LOCAL GINS G

in goes back a long way. Some credit 16th century Dutch doctor Franciscus Sylvius de la Boe as the inventor of gin, but there are previous mentions in a Flemish manuscript dating from the 1200s.

Genever arrived in England in the 17th Century and proved popular. By 1733, the population of England and Wales was around six million people, who collectively got through 47 million litres of gin. G&T became possible in 1858 when the first tonic water was launched by Erasmus Bond.

Nowadays we have a crop of artisan producers across the North East, marrying traditional techniques with interesting botanicals.

© Shutterstock/Atlas Studio

Roehill Springs ___ Take Roehill Springs Distillery, where Duncan and Shirley Morrison produce small-batch gins on their family farm near Keith. Their Honeyberry Gin which combines a tart opening with a sweeter finish. If you want to confound your friends, try Roehill’s Blue Gin, which changes colour from blue to pink or purple when the tonic is added thanks to the inclusion of Butterfly Pea flowers. If you’d prefer something equally magical, but more traditional, Roehill Springs No. 5, combines juniper with coriander, citrus and floral notes for a great mouthfeel.

LOCAL GINS | 35

porter's gin ___

house of elrick ___

little brown dog spirits ___

LOST LOCH SPIRITS ___

Porter’s Gin is created in the basement micro-distillery of one of Aberdeen’s most popular cocktail bars. The vacuum still prevents heat damaging delicate botanicals which are then added to a Juniper-led recipe from one of the UK’s oldest distillers. Porter’s Modern Classic has a bright citrusy appeal thanks to the addition of cold-distilled Buddha’s Hand Citron, while Porter’s Tropical Old Tom Gin is a rich, fruity tropical tangle of passion fruit, guava and white tea. Orchard Gin is an autumnal combination of apple, pear and soybean inspired by great French wines.

House of Elrick gins come from the distillery on Elrick Estate just south of Portlethen, which uses a 500 litre copper pot still called Charlie and a blend of nine botanicals to produce 600 bottle batches of gin. Their Spirit of Loch Ness gin includes dried petals of the Jacobite rose as well as juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root and citrus peel, built around a core of heather, pink peppercorns and sweet fennel.

Elrick’s recipes are created by Dr. David Clutton, who combines over 50 years’ experience in the spirits industry with being the only person in the world with a PhD on the flavour of gin.

Little Brown Dog Spirits is an experimental micro distillery based at West Aquhorthies farm near Bennachie. Their LBD gin is a modern dry Scottish gin that co-owner Andrew describes as being, “Like sookin’ sherbet lemons, dipped in beeswax, while sitting in a scots pine forest after the rain.”

The botanicals, which are locally foraged or grown where possible, include wood sorrel, rhubarb, parsnip and juniper. They’ve even planted five acres of juniper which they hope to incorporate into their production in a few years’ time when the plants have matured.

Lost Loch Spirits lies in the heart of Royal Deeside, on the banks of the now drained Loch Auchlossan or the Lost Loch. They offer micro-distillery tours and a great Spirit School. They’re known for their innovative small-batch spirits that combine local ingredients with environmentally friendly production. Their enticing eeNoo Gin is, essentially, the local landscape in a bottle, combining Royal Deeside honey, heather flowers, brambles, raspberries and rosehips with spices and Italian Juniper. Their Singular Series includes a raspberry and stem ginger gin infusion and the deep green Rucolo, which takes its colour from rocket and chives, offset by citrus peel.

• TOURS & TASTINGS • GIN SCHOOL • VOUCHERS • EVENTS SPACE

Deeside Activity Park, Aboyne AB34 5BD T. 07790 340001 lostloch.com @lostlochspirits

New dessert parlour for West End 16 Below has opened at 3 Whitehall Road, serving handcrafted cheesecakes, cookie sandwiches and handmade Mackies ice cream. There’s also vegan ice cream from Shorty’s of Ballater. We’re also proud to serve a range of handmade vegan ice cream from Shorty’s in Ballater. 16 Below is open from 1.30 to 9.30 each day. Find out more at facebook.com/16BelowAbz

St. Margaret’s pupils’ charity run success Class IIIS pupils at St. Margaret’s School raised £950 after completing a sponsored run. Their running target was 100km and they went above and beyond that to cover an impressive 206km. Many of the girls ran in fancy dress. The sponsorship donations will be used to support babies and families whilst in the Neonatal unit. This could include specialist equipment like Giraffe incubators and breast pumps, advanced staff training, photos of special moments, counselling sessions and bursaries for parents who are struggling financially. To find out more about their vital work, visit archie.org

New cafe opening!

Serving wraps, coffee, rolls & more • 22 Rose Street Aberdeen AB10 1UA

38 | ORCHID

Orchid's Signature

Ingredients: Bacardi Coconut | Tiki Blend | Coco Réal Pineapple | Lime | Bitters Hailing from Puerto Rico in the early 19th century, this perfect blend of White Rum, Cream of Coconut and Pineapple quickly took the world by storm. We've added a bit of Orchid love to enhance this much loved classic! With the Bacardi Coconut Rum and our very own Tiki Blend this one'll definitely transport you to the beaches of Puerto Rico!

orchidcocktails.com

IN-BRIEF | 39

Football Training School Scores 150th Student in Just Six Months An innovative Aberdeen-based football training school has welcomed its milestone 150th player, just six months after the venture kicked off.

Endgame FC is the brainchild of Aberdeen-based sports science graduate Richie Reid. Endgame offers sessions at Bridge of Don and Ellon. Richie already employs four coaches including former

Scotland international player, Melissa Stirling. The company runs sessions for children of all abilities from pre-school and girls’ only classes to advanced sessions. They also run baby sessions with mini players as young as 18 months making an early start on their ball skills. To find out more, email info@endgamefc.com

Let 2022 be the year you decide Papillon Designs & Landscaping create & install your dream outdoor space From front to back gardens our team of passionate designers can take your ideas or use their inspiration to achieve garden perfection.

The unique service Papillon provide includes project management of the entire work scope. Ensuring a high standard of workmanship and will reflect the specifications of your garden design.

Tel: 01224 791569 papillonlandscape.co.uk

Shaped Rings

Stone Set Rings

Bridal Jewellery

Engagement Rings

Kiltpins & Cufflinks

Eternity Rings

Collections • Commissions • Wedding Ring Specialists

BE INVOLVED IN YOUR WEDDING RING DESIGN. Come in and browse our collections and examples of individual designs, or phone to make an appointment.

265 North Deeside Road, Peterculter, AB14 0UL Tel: 01224 735000 lavajewellery.com

40 | FOOD ADVERTISEMENTS FEATURE

SOCI E T Y FOC US

Trend’s Garden Rev de Party Cuba

SOCI E T Y FOC US

WHO:

Trend Over 200 Magazine well dressed Fashionguests.

Lunch

W H AT:

Trend Trend’sheld annual it’s hugely Afternoon popular Tea Garden secondParty fashion was lunch celebrated of theinyear it’s usual at Malmaison fashion with Aberdeen everyone and enjoying this time a sumptuous were delighted afternoon to support tea. Northsound’s new Aberdeen Lauren Mitchell charity,hosted Abernecessities. the afternoon Guests whileheard Paul all Black about sangtheand charity Cameron fromRoe-Imrie Dani Fletcher-Herd provide a and magical weretouch. entertained A glamorous

by MCfashion Jeff Burns show from wasFifth Dimension provided bywho Bentley’s also provided of Banchory closeand up local magic for the retailers guests. soldFashions their wares. wereFunds supplied werefrom raised @hamishmunro, for local charity Abernecessities Tiger Lily Boutique, and the Country guests Ways partied andat Perfect the endBridal of theRooms. day to the sounds of SaxyBongo.

WHERE: WH

The Marcliffe Hotel Malmaison Hotel and Spa

42 | COMPETITION

WIN

Win a superb spa package stay at nairn's golf view hotel and spa

H

ow do you fancy winning a luxurious overnight stay at the recently refurbished Golf View Hotel & Spa in Nairn? The hotel has amazing seafront views and is part of the Crerar Hotels Group.

Following a six-figure investment, the hotel’s Coast spa has been completely upgraded and has been transformed into the ultimate destination spa – ideal for an indulgent spa day with friends or a romantic spa getaway.

Guests can enjoy an invigorating swim, a relaxing dip in the indoor or outdoor hot tubs as well as the steam and sauna rooms all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Moray Firth.

The newly launched spa also boasts Scotland’s first KurlandSteinbad Stone Bath – often known as a ‘volcano’ sauna.

This unique heat experience helps relax and rejuvenate as does the brand-new Himalayan Salt Therapy Room.

Guests can enjoy a full range of spa treatments using innovative, organic seaweed skincare products from renowned Scottish brand, ishga whilst Coast’s expert spa therapists will tailor each guest’s experience to suit their skin type and needs, providing a memorable and relaxing experience.

One lucky winner and their guest will enjoy an overnight stay at Golf View Hotel & Spa with dinner in the popular Hickory restaurant, which is known for its excellent local seafood and steaks from the cattle from Crerar’s own farm. There are plenty of enticing veggie options too. The prize also includes breakfast the following morning and a spa treatment each at Coast Spa as well as full use of the new spa facilities.

To enter, go to trendmagazine.com and answer this question:

What’s the name of the spa at the Golf View Hotel?

44 | NEO SPACE

Making the new world of work, work for you

W

ork has changed. Dolly Parton may still be working nine to five, but for many of us, working patterns and locations have evolved into a new hybrid model that combines remote working with office visits. Organisations are rethinking and accelerating modern workplace transformation plans, taking infrastructure, inclusivity and investment in enabling technology into account.

These organisations know that at the heart of hybrid work is flexibility. Flexibility on where people work, how they work, and on the collaboration tools available to

them. Hybrid working isn’t tied to the same commute or the same location. It’s flexible; driven by purpose.

It’s already leading to new, more sustainable and more efficient methods of working for many as well as improving employee satisfaction.

That’s where neospace, handily situated on Riverside Drive, comes in. There are almost 80 fully serviced dedicated office spaces to let you focus and your business flourish. These are incredibly flexible, meaning you can use neospace for a one off board meeting, training session, presentation or book space for a

NEO SPACE | 45

regular time each week or month, or use neospace as your permanent office base. It doesn’t matter if you’re flying solo with a new start-up, or looking to accommodate your entire staff, neospace provides flexible options adapting to your business size and needs. There are hot desk memberships and co-working facilities too. Neospace is built around the individual needs of today’s business.

With a location just a few minutes from the train and bus stations, it’s also a great choice for meetings, with everything from tech to tea on hand to make your session go smoothly.

What makes neospace truly special is the sense of support, community and collaboration. The space challenges tradition, where rigid ways of office life are replaced with flexible, hybrid, tech-led solutions blended with superior hospitality that inspires members and liberates them to collaborate, create, work, socialise and decompress whilst fully engaged in their work. It’s perfect for freelancers, start-up companies and aspiring entrepreneurs. The friendly environment encourages networking, with opportunities to meet inspiring

peers across all sectors, from small businesses to multinationals.

At neospace, the importance of work-life balance is recognised. There’s a state of the art gym with access to personal trainers and instructor-led group fitness classes. Relax in the sauna and steam room suite after your workout. If golf is how you unwind then the Trackman golf simulator lets you experience some of the world’s leading courses. Take some time out, relax and watch the world go by with a refreshing drink and a snack in the Juice Bar which is where we host many of our social events like Quiz Nights and Wellness talks that make networking a pleasure.

If neospace sounds like the ideal place for your business to flourish, then come and see for yourself. The team are always happy to show people round and share all that this unique working environment has to offer companies of all shapes and sizes.

Neo House, Riverside Drive, AB11 7LH Tel: 01224 013400 neo-space.com

46 | IN-BRIEF

Travel Concierge marks second birthday A well-known aviation hospitality expert is reaching for the skies as her company celebrates surviving the pandemic to reach its second anniversary.

PES Executive Handling, an aviation hospitality specialist, set up by Phyllis Stuart has marked the company’s second birthday. The company provides a unique set of travel concierge services to travellers arriving in and departing from Aberdeen International Airport, with plans in the pipeline to expand the offering to other locations across Scotland. To find out more, visit exechandling.co.uk

LOCAL AUTHORS PRODUCE ENCHANTING NEW BOOK FOR CHILDREN

A

berdeen-based mother-daughter duo Ann McLauchlin and Jill Law have produced a new book for children aged 6-9. Farrah Frett’s mummy is getting married again. Although she’s slightly apprehensive about being a flower girl, Farrah soon discovers that the dresses in Miss Singh’s bridal boutique are magical in more ways than one!

A fun, tongue-twisting read which combines escape, fantasy, adventure and achievement through the eyes of eight-year-old. Emily Walker-Vaughan’s beautiful and whimsical illustrations bring the words alive.

Available from online sellers, troubador.co.uk/bookshop/young-children/ or by ordering from your local bookshop.

WIN

Win tickets to the cher show at hmt

We have two pairs of tickets up for grabs for The Cher Show, the outrageous new musical that includes thirty five of the diva’s hits. This huge new production features three West End Stars and some absolutely amazing costumes.

The show is directed by Arlene Phillips and choreographed by Oti Mabuse, so you can expect some spectacular dance

numbers too. The show is at HMT from October 4th- 8th. Our winners will go on Tuesday 4th October.

To enter, go to trendmagazine.co.uk and answer this question:

Who directs the show?

Find out more or book tickets at aberdeenperformingarts.com

48 | IN-BRIEF

BALFOUR + MANSON | 49

Legal firm mark 18 years of serving the city and shire

T

he team at Balfour + Manson’s Aberdeen office are celebrating their 18th year of providing legal services across the North East. Since opening the Aberdeen office in 2004, Balfour + Manson’s approachable team have become recognised for their in-depth understanding of Aberdeen’s industries and issues.

With their outstanding reputation for personal injury, medical negligence claims and family law they’re also known for their supportive approach and expertise in employment law, wills and powers of attorney as well as dealing in all types of residential property work.

As well as the North East team, which encompasses 3 partners, 5 solicitors and 8 support staff, Balfour + Manson serves the whole of Scotland. The firm has a distinguished track record since its inception back in 1888, combining the best of traditional values with a modern, progressive approach.

Partner Julie Clark-Spence explained, ‘The Aberdeen office has grown considerably over the past 18 years, adding specialist solicitors in a number of areas and being involved in some very high profile cases. We pride ourselves in supporting clients throughout the process of any personal injury, medical negligence, family law or employment case. These are often life-changing events for our clients and those around them, so we take the time to understand what our clients are hoping for and the difference the right outcome will make to their lives.

‘Although it’s amazing to look back at all we’ve achieved and all the clients we’ve helped over the past 18 years, we’re also looking towards the future. We’ve just moved to larger premises which will allow us to grow further, adding to our area of practice and service portfolio in the next few years.’

6 Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1YP Tel: 01224 498080 balfour-manson.co.uk

50 | INTERIORS

designing your dream kitchen We caught up with the design team at Drumoak Kitchens to see what to consider when planning a new kitchen . . .

E

mbarking on a renovation or a completely new kitchen project is exciting but can be quite daunting too.

A kitchen can be one of the biggest and most expensive upgrades that people make to their homes, so it’s important to take the time to explore what you like.

of life and can be totally transformational. As a local independent company, we know of specialists that can help with these larger projects where a kitchen is just part of the work. We can put you in touch with the people you need and help source materials too.

Pinterest and Instagram are good starting points for gathering ideas and inspiration. Interiors magazines can be useful too, but often the homes and kitchens shown don’t always translate well in terms of space or budget!

It helps to have a wish list, a rough floorplan and a good idea of what you want to use the space for before you start visiting showrooms. Having an idea about whether you want a traditional style, a Shaker style or a minimalist modern one is useful too. Think about whether you want to cook and dine in the same space, whether you’ll need a family space, a place for the dog to sleep or whether you want your washing machine and dishwasher in a utility room, on display, or concealed behind cabinetry. Are you a keen cook with dozens of gadgets, in need of a serious coffee machine or just somewhere to reheat a takeaway?

A good designer will want to find out about your lifestyle before asking about colours or which display kitchen you preferred. After all, you’ll only replace your kitchen once every ten or twenty years, so the space needs to work well.

Sometimes you can save money by shopping around and project managing different tradespeople and suppliers though this can also be stressful. At Drumoak Kitchens, we manufacture bespoke kitchens in our own workshops and have our own fitters. We’ll even come and, say, replace a hinge on a kitchen that was bought twenty five years ago, so the aftersales package is something that should also be considered.

We’re seeing a shift towards people wanting to get more out of our spaces. The kitchen is the social centre of the house and a lot of people spend more time at home now, compared to before the pandemic and with the rise of working from home. Where possible, walls are being removed which separated spaces and creating kitchen, living-dining areas that gives a massive boost to quality

Most people find that their ideas about design and layout changes during the design phase. It may be constraints of space or budget. A good designer will come up with solutions that work for your lifestyle, design aspirations and budget. It’s your kitchen, so you should feel fully engaged in the design process.

As well as our bespoke kitchens, our German partners Hacker, alongside the British kitchen firms Marpatt, Landau, Burbidge and Second Nature, enable us to provide an extensive range of furniture designs to suit all tastes.

Nowadays there’s a huge range of appliances, worktop materials like Corian, Caesarstone, Silestone, natural granites, solid timbers and modern laminates, as well as a vast selection of colours and finishing touches like handles and taps, so it’s easy to get bogged down. Working with a designer who takes the time to understand your lifestyle makes it so much simpler to create your dream kitchen.

‘we manufacture bespoke kitchens in our own workshops & have our own fitters.’

52 | DRUMOAK KITCHENS

KYNOCH & ROBERTSON: A world of colour

If you’re redecorating, then Rosemount’s Kynoch & Robertson should be your first choice.

DRUMOAK KITCHENS where dream kitchens come to life

A

t Drumoak Kitchens, we’ve been helping the North East create dream kitchens for fifty years. Our workshop team have clocked up over 120 years’ experience hand-crafting beautiful bespoke kitchens.

Our handmade kitchens are manufactured using the highest quality natural FSC and PEFC certified woods. This guarantees that your new kitchen is sourced from a responsibly managed forest.

If wood’s not for you, then our German Hacker kitchens are the pinnacle of German engineering and offer a high quality

modern alternative to our more traditionally manufactured bespoke Drumoak range.

Work with our designers and you’ll find that your imagination could be your only limitation. If the workshop can find a way to manufacture your idea then the possibilities are endless. We aim for perfection in every detail.

Come and see for yourself!

Drum Station Yard, Drumoak, Aberdeen, AB31 5AJ Tel: 01330 811555 drumoakkitchens.com

You’ll find paint from Farrow & Ball, Little Greene Paint Company, Isle of Skye Paint Company, Paint and Paper Library, Zoffany, Sanderson and Earthborn. They have special tinting machines for Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, so they can mix any colour on the spot. If you’re not into DIY, Kynoch & Robertson’s highly skilled painters and decorators can create the perfect finish.

The staff have a real passion for interior design and are always happy to help pull schemes together from their amazing range of wallpapers and fabrics. They even have a full curtain, blind and soft furnishing making service, making Kynoch & Robertson the ideal place when it comes to creating the perfect interior.

276, 280 & 282 Rosemount Place, AB25 2YA Tel: 01224 633022 kynochandrobertson.co.uk

54 | ADESSO DECOR

Brightening up the city with spectacular shop front decor When the sun shines, the Granite City sparkles, but Adesso Decor's external dressing services make shop fronts look amazing all year round.

Adesso work with retailers to create bespoke decorations for entrances and shop fronts, from formal topiary to exuberant floral walls and window dressings.

Each design is unique and everything is designed and made locally. Designs can tie in with corporate branding colours or special events as well as being available as a one-off commission or as part of a hire package where the décor is changed seasonally, including spectacular festive displays. It’s a great way of making your shop premises stand out while brightening everyone’s day.

Owner Charlotte Garvie explained, ‘Creating a welcoming entrance and shopfront brings back the excitement to shopping as it’s an experience that can’t be replicated in online shopping.

Decorated windows mean people browse for longer and are encouraged to enter the shop

because it feels welcoming and really special.

It’s almost like stepping into a different world.

‘People often think that using a retail decorator like Adesso must be very expensive. That’s not necessarily the case. We work with a huge range of budgets and know how to create something special without spending a fortune. We’re happy to offer an initial consultation without any obligation. Just get in touch.’

Unit 4C, Burn O’Bennie Road, Banchory AB31 5NL Tel: 07539 175240 E. charlotte@adessodecor.com adessodecor.com

56 | FOOD FEATURE

SO CI E T Y FOC US

Russell Anderson Rev de Foundation Cuba SO CI E T Y FOC US

Brian Campbell, Joan Campbell, Robert Kennedy, Pat Kennedy, Tommy Webster, Jacqui Webster

WHO:

Trend The Russell Magazine Anderson Fashion Foundation Lunch 10th Anniversary Fundraising Ball.

W H AT: Trend WH heldAT: it’s hugely popular second fashion

lunch The 10th of the anniversary year at Malmaison fundraising Aberdeen event was and attended this time by 300 wereguests delighted who enjoyed to support a fun newfilled Aberdeen night whilst charity, also raising Abernecessities. a fabulousGuests £90,000 heard all towards aboutthe theongoing charity from workDani of the Fletcher-Herd foundation. and The were main entertained sponsor on the

by MC night Jeffwas Burns ACEfrom DGMFifth Dimension other sponsors whoincluded also provided RAM Tubulars. close up magic for the Theguests. guests were Fashions entertained were supplied

by Thefrom Soul @hamishmunro, Kings & Queens and TigerRight Lily Boutique, Here Productions Country Ways as theand Singing Perfect Waiters.

Bridal Rooms.

Heather Brown, Mike Brown

WHERE: WH

The Chester Hotel Malmaison Hotel Aberdeen

Jevan Anderson, Cole Anderson, Claire Anderson, Russell Anderson

Jenna Ritchie, Fiona Taylor, Norma Taylor, Olive Stewart

Jane Ewan, David Ewan, Laura Ewan Rosey Mowatt, Betty Mowatt, Louise McIntosh

Laura Burnett, Graeme Burnett, Lynne Burnett, Craig Burnett

Carolynne Mellough, Lee Mellough

Ishbel Sutherland, Jim Sutherland

Mike Gillan, Dawn Gillan, Nina Mackie , Graham Mackie, Sharon MacIntosh, George MacIntosh

10 SEPT 2022, 12 - 5pm | £75pp Join us for our Fizz & Fashion event at Aberdeen’s newest venue,Union Kirk.

delighted to be supporting The Archie Foundation as our chosen charity.

A welcoming glass of fizz, 2 course lunch with entertainment and an outstanding fashion show. Tiger Lily Boutique, Lolo + Co and Country Ways will be joined

by Multrees Walk retailers, Harvey Nichols, Strathberry, Johnstons of Elgin, Bravissimo, LK Bennett and OLIAMI. All retailers will be selling on the day and we are

To book tickets or a table please email: info@trendmagazine.co.uk Platinum sponsor

Entertainment sponsor

NATURAL HAIR & BEAUTY EXPERTS

© ShA ockerstu/ eandr Colvie 58 | ADVERTISEMENTS

ADVERTISEMENTS | 59

CLIMBERS:

Reaching new heights

The wonderful thing about climbers is they are timeless.

There is a vast array available and planting climbers is an easy way to create colour and growth in any size of space.

For the romance of roses around the cottage door, there’s a huge selection of wonderfully scented roses to choose from! My favourites are, Rosa New Dawn, The Generous Gardener, Gertrude Jekyll, and the thorn less Zepherine Drouhin. Roses prefer neutral to acid soil, a pH of around 6.5, but are happy on the margins, so it’s worth testing the soil with a simple home kit beforehand.

If you’d prefer a more contemporary look, then it’s more about what the climbers are climbing up that creates interest. There are some really decorative screens available to support climbers, or you can create shapes by how you arrange support wires. Something as simple as arranging vertical support wires to train the plants can be really effective and provide a natural screen.

Creating focus through 3D structures, like arches and using these to support climbers can be really successful. Creating stylish contemporary shapes in aluminium/metal or wood and clothing these with climbers can look fantastic!

Wall shrubs can be used as climbers. These aren’t natural climbers and require pruning and training to climb, whereas climbers naturally want to. Whether you want scent, evergreen leaf, screening, flower, or all of it, there’s a huge variety to choose from!

Before choosing your climbing plants, it’s important to assess conditions for growing, how exposed the situation is, whether it’s a sunny or shaded location, windy or sheltered etc. This will help you choose the right plant for your spot.

Not all climbers just flower in summer. Winter flowering jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a shrubby climber, while Lonicera purpusii ‘winter beauty or fragrantissima’ is a shrubby honeysuckle that flowers in winter with the most heavenly scent. Great for overwintering bees! There are many great summer flowering honeysuckles too, my favourites are Belgica, Serotina and Halliana. For winter leaf, Pyracantha - a thorny plant known for its flaming autumn berries, flowers in May and June.

For a very sheltered shady spot, try evergreen Trachelospermum jasminoides. I have this growing in shade and it loves it! The blooms are wonderfully scented too. There are hundreds of varieties of Clematis, which are divided into three groups – spring flowering Group, such as Clematis Montana Fragrant Spring Group 2 (flower May/ June) The President or Clematis Niobe and late summer (Group 3) Clematis Viticella or Jackmanii. There are a couple of evergreen Clematis that can grow in North-east Scotland in a very sheltered spot, Armandii or Cartmanii, but I have found them to be a bit tender on the whole.

Plant clematis deep (where the stem is in the pot should be approximately, 6cm below soil level when planted) in early spring, or early to mid-autumn in a sheltered spot where roots are kept cool and moist. For interesting leaf, look at the pink and silver tipped Actinidia Kolomikta.

We all in love a Wisteria. If you have a very sunny, sheltered wall, it can do well in these climes. Interestingly, Wisteria Sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) grows anti-clock-wise and Wisteria Floribunda (Japanese Wisteria) grows clock-wise.

For shady spots, try Hydrangea petiolaris, but be careful about position as it climbs on its own suckers like ivy.

There are some very beautiful ivies such as Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) and Chinese Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus Henryana); both lose their leaf, but will grow happily in full sun or partial shade.

60 | KIDS

D

id you know that Aberdeen and the shire boasts over 200 kilometres of coastline? We have everything from dramatic rocky shores to golden sands. There’s a beach for everyone no matter what their interests, from flying a kite, to water sports, spotting wildlife, bouldering, swimming, picnicking, guddling about in rock pools or just going for a paddle.

© Shockerstu/ Dasha Peoenktr

For nature loving kids, the nature reserve at Forvie near Newburgh combines a dune system that covers almost a thousand hectares with the opportunity to see thousands of sea birds including eider ducks, wildfowl, waders and a seal colony. The trails are well marked. If you go to the south side of the river Ythan, you can watch the seals haul themselves out of the sea.

ADVERTISEMENTS KIDS | 61

River Ythan

The bird breeding season lasts throughout August, so some areas are cordoned off so the chicks can be raised in peace. Dogs should be leashed. The dunes are not only home to birdlife, but also the ruins of Forvie Kirk, the only visible remnants of the village that was buried in the 15th century.

The car park at Newburgh Beach is closed till 25th July for resurfacing, so the alternative is the Waterside carpark. There’s a visitor centre and toilets on the nature reserve and the Waulkmill hide at Bridge of Forvie offers good views of wading birds over the estuarine mudflats.

Further north, Cruden Bay is great for families, with two miles of soft pink sand accessed over a bridge.

The city’s beach boasts six miles of sand, complete with walkways, breakwaters and sheltered spots that are ideal places to set up for an afternoon.

It stretches from the picturesque little cottages of Footdee all the way to Bridge of Don. If you don’t fancy walking on the sand, there’s a two level promenade so it’s a good choice for a brisk walk, cycling, rollerblading or trying out a new scooter. That said, a trip to the beach in Aberdeen can work out as an expensive affair once you’ve factored in the attractions of the cinema, the fairground and amusements and the tempting cafés along the seafront.

To the south, Stonehaven Beach is a good choice with a mix of sand and shingle and plenty of rock pools to explore. There’s a boardwalk and a series of metal statues and mosaic artwork, as well as a few places to get ice cream, old-fashioned sweets or fish and chips to eat in the car before heading home.

Balmedie borders Forvie to the south and offers dunes, clean golden sand and ribbons of wetland vegetation. There are 1700 metres of boardwalk, toilets, a visitors’ centre, picnic areas and a children’s playground, all of which make it a good choice for younger kids or those in buggies.

If something more dramatic appeals, then Collieston’s cliffs and rocky bays, combined with the almost alien atmosphere of the dune system and a history of smugglers and shipwrecks could be a good bet. Collieston is great for older kids and teenagers, as it has a network of sea caves, small coves and shingle beaches.

Stonehaven

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How to buy original art When it comes to art, we often know what we like, but have no idea how to go about buying an original artwork for our homes. Galleries can seem intimidating, but the vast majority are really helpful, knowledgeable and friendly.

There’s really nothing to be afraid of, as we found out when we chatted to David Reid, of the Ballater Gallery…

‘Art should have a place in every home as it brings individuality to a home and shows creativity of the homeowners and their character and taste. Choosing a painting you love will bring pleasure every day.

For me, there’s nothing worse than a beige home with just a large screen television!’ David commented.

‘Galleries can sometimes feel a little scary, particularly if there’s a huge price tag on an important piece in the window, but from our own point of view, everyone is treated with

friendliness and respect and I do believe that most of our competitors are the same but, there will still be the odd gallery where a member of staff doesn’t lift their head. I think we can all think of a fashion shop or car showroom when this has happened so it’s not exclusively a gallery trait. People are always welcome to come in to browse, there’s no rush and no pressure to buy.

have been curated with quality in mind, as well as different price points, a range of artists, styles, colour palettes and price points.

We specialise in artists that are established and selling with galleries in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. We stock many Scottish artists and have a series of online interviews with them talking about their work.

‘If a gallery is well-established with a good website and selling original works of art then yes, works will

‘Over 40 galleries in Scotland are part of the Own Art Scheme, which offers 10 months interest free credit

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on most pieces. It’s subject to usual credit checks but it’s a great way for many to purchase art which they may previously not have been able to, or to start building a collection.

‘Galleries aren’t the only way to buy an original artwork. You can buy at auction, in person or over the internet, but you need to factor in buyer’s fees which can be 25-35% on top of the selling price and also packing and courier delivery charges. Sometimes these can come to more than the actual gallery buying price! Auctions are

great if you want to buy an older work, rather than a contemporary piece.

‘You can also buy direct from the artist, via their websites, art fairs or at events like NEOS. These are fantastic ways to buy locally and often you get a real chance to meet artists and talk to them directly. The majority of artists who are locally based often paint part time and not represented by galleries so it’s a great, and very affordable, way to discover an artist whose work you love. Degree Shows can be exciting

places to find a future star, though some of the work isn’t commercial enough to be found in a gallery. Any of these are a great starting point for a collector.

‘I’m often asked about art as an investment. My answer to this one is always simple. While many of our artists have seen their work sell at auction for much more than gallery price, it’s not common, so only buy what you absolutely love and treat it as a bonus if it sells one day for much more!’

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

VEE and george thom of vt wealth

‘I was brought up in the small fishing village of Portknockie, just along the coast from Buckie and George’s family lived in Strichen,’ Vee explained. ‘We met when we both worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland. I was a Financial Advisor at the time and George was an Area Manager for Business Banking. We had about 58 years’ of Banking and Financial Services experience between us before setting up VT Wealth. Our Son Steven is a Financial Adviser in the business too.’

Vee commented, ‘We are committed to building trusted and lasting relationships with our clients to help them manage their wealth and protect their family’s futures. So many people don’t really have a handle on their long-term financial goals and find it a bit scary to think about. We can understand that, because this is a world that’s changing rapidly and advice that was fine when, say, you started a pension twenty years ago, may not be the most suitable now. That’s why we place an emphasis on regular communication and annual reviews. VT Wealth offer a no-obligation financial review. and wife

The business works with individuals, families and businesses looking Husband for a dedicated, trusted team George and Vee and reliable Financial George continued, ‘When it Thom run VT Wealth Planning service to help comes to running your own them identify, plan and business, you are the financial planning set goals to achieve business. That can make it specialists with offices financial wellbeing, whilst difficult to switch off. Luckily in Bridge of Don, sustaining their desired the family keep us on our Aberdeen and lifestyle. Meetings can be toes. We have four wonderful held at any of VT Wealth’s grandchildren - Louis, Fraserburgh. offices, or the client’s Luke, Alfie and Ellie, that own home or business we love spending time location. Virtual meetings with. We also have Rolo are also possible over Teams or Zoom. and Darcey, who Vee refers to as her fur babies.

We are a bit old fashioned and still like tradition The thing that makes VT Wealth stand out, is the of family coming together for Sunday dinner amount of time Vee and her team take to get to and we enjoy family holidays in the sun and know their clients’ individual circumstances, attending King’s Church Aberdeen. I’m also a dreams, goals and aspirations. Services offered keen supporter of Fraserburgh Football Club.’ include Investment Planning, Pension & Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Later Life Vee added, ‘We make a really good team since we Planning, Mortgage Advice, Protection Planning like to focus on different areas of the business. I love and Discretionary Fund Management. working on a one to one basis with our clients and George enjoys the strategic, people management, Vee is an Accredited Pension Specialist and has financial and marketing side. He’s a joy to work with well over 20 years-experience working with both but he really loves his mind maps and spreadsheets! private and corporate clients. The company is aligned to St. James’s Place, the largest Wealth And the worst thing about working with Vee? ‘She Management company in the UK. always likes to have the last word!’ George confided.

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